There is a 13-year gap between chapters 16 and 17. Now, Abram is 99 years old, content with his life as Ishmael's father (18). Once, Abram had faith that pleased God (15:6). However, he failed to hold the covenant God had given him: to trust in God’s promise of blessings. Instead, he lived according to the customs of his generation by having a child from a slave girl.

Abram might have forgotten about the covenant, but God did not. God appeared to him after Abram’s long break. Changes in circumstances and the passing of time did not change who God was and what he had promised. In one year, God would give Abram a son from Sarai, the true heir of God’s blessings. Until then, Abram must uphold his part of the covenant: have faith in God.

To help Abram remember God’s covenant, God changed Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah. Also, as a sign, Abraham and all males in his household would undergo circumcision. Even though Abraham's faith weakened, God, with his almighty power, still planned to raise Abraham as a father of many nations.
Application: Father, you gave me a covenant with one-sided grace. Thank you for faithfully holding onto me so that I would grow to understand your will and participate in your work.
One Word: The faithfulness of God leads me